Building owners are caught between two powerful forces--the need to lower energy costs and the need to meet or exceed outdoor air ventilation regulations for occupant health and comfort. Large amounts of energy are wasted each day from commercial, institutional, and government building sites as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)…

Explains how commissioning can help to ensure that all components in a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system will work together as designed. Bowdoin College's experience with commissioning is highlighted. (GR)

This publication is a homeowner's guide to energy conserving home improvements. This second edition is the same as the earlier version except that the energy conservation cost and saving estimates are based on more current fuel prices. The reader is led through steps to assess the energy conservation needs of a home and then through how to effect…

This first article in a series about cooling classrooms by ventilation explains that energy consumption for one day of refrigeration cooling is equal to energy use for 35 days of ventilation cooling. Schools using only refrigeration cooling are passing up energy savings that could be provided by ventilation cooling. (Author/MLF)

Building design and construction that helps deliver both superior air quality and occupant thermal comfort, while minimizing energy consumption, are examined. The paper explores an integrated building systems approach that combines the principles of "directed air flow control" and "demand controlled ventilation" where ventilation is effectively…

This second article in a series about cooling classrooms by ventilation describes the equipment available to help save energy and money. The first article appeared in the July 1981 issue. (Author/MLF)

A new elementary school in New Hampshire uses innovative European ventilation technology to ensure excellent air quality. Combined with high-efficiency lighting, the system should reduce energy consumption by 10 to 20%, compared with a traditional facility. (MLF)

This paper describes a study that developed innovations that would enable modular builders to improve the energy performance of their classrooms without increasing their first cost. The Modern Building Systems' classroom building conforms to the stringent Oregon and Washington energy codes, and, at $18 per square foot, it is at the low end of the…

Describes a project at the Manatee Education Center in Naples, Florida, which won an ASHRAE award. Project involved the implementation of ice-storage technology in 19 schools. Compares the performance of ice-storage systems with traditional chiller designs in two other schools. Tables illustrate costs for the campuses. Addresses the maintenance…

This energy conservation workbook series was developed to provide specific data on the effect of various design and operating decisions on both cost and energy consumption. It is designed to make clear the energy consumption and cost implications of various building design and operating decisions in terms that both the layman and design…

This publication attempts to provide some basic descriptions of the various systems and components of climate control and to point out some of the factors to be considered in the selection of the mechanical equipment. The principles of heat gain and loss and ventilation as they relate to a comfortable temperature are discussed. Illustrative…

A study of the energy usage for 20 St. Cloud (Minnesota) district buildings was completed by a firm of consulting engineers. For each building, the study established a Total Energy Index (TEI) composed of the fuel, electricity, and water consumed during the base line year, fiscal year 1977-78. In addition, the blueprints and any proposed…